Identification

Retail stores typically sell items directly to consumers in small quantities. This differs from wholesaling, which involves selling to stores in large amounts.

Types

Types of retail stores include discount, home improvement, office supplies, computers, drug, grocery, department, clothing, book, toy, sporting goods and electronics stores. Some retail stores are local, national or international chains, meaning that there are more than one of the stores in a given area or throughout the country.

Features

Retail stores typically arrange their merchandise by type and use displays to attract attention. The prices of merchandise are posted on signs on the fixtures where the items are stored or displayed or affixed to the items with tags.

Employees

Cashiers accept money from customers and bag or bundle purchases for easy carrying, while sales associates help customers locate and choose merchandise. Buyers select which items the retail store sells, stock workers place the merchandise on the shelves and managers and supervisors oversee the employees who work in a particular store.

Examples

Walmart is the largest retailer in the world, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Other large retailers include Home Depot, Target, Walgreens, Macy's, Best Buy, Staples and Toys R Us.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Retail Industry at a Glance

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union: Wal Mart Facts